Anthony Gordon’s position in England’s starting XI is coming under scrutiny, with Gary Neville suggesting the Barcelona winger may soon lose the spot as competition from Marcus Rashford grows, especially after England’s goalless draw with Ghana at the men’s World Cup.
Neville discussed the situation on the Stick to Football podcast, delivered after the 0-0 result against Ghana, and highlighted Gordon’s situation directly, stating: "Anthony Gordonhe's probably the one that's under the most pressure now," before expanding on possible changes.
Continuing his comments on the podcast, Neville explained that many observers expected Rashford to start instead, saying: "We all thought he probably wouldn't play today. We thought that maybe [Rashford] would come
in or something like that, but he [Gordon] stayed on. I think he's under pressure now. I think he's the one that's going to find it a little bit difficult to keep his spot. "
The draw with Ghana added to England’s long World Cup record without changing Neville’s view on the attack. England have now drawn 23 matches at the men’s tournament, with 13 finishing 0-0, both the highest figures for any nation in the competition’s history.
𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟎-𝟎 𝐆𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚 A damp squib from the Three Lions, who are held by a well-organised Ghana. England have drawn 23 games at the men's World Cup, 13 of which have ended 0-0; both are the most of any team in the history of the competition. pic.twitter.com/b4gSvjAIxYOpta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) June 23, 2026
Gordon has started both of England’s group games, lasting 72 minutes against Croatia and then 65 minutes against Ghana, but the forward has found it hard to influence matches, managing three shots in total and contributing limited threat in the final third.
The 25-year-old, who moved from Newcastle United to Barcelona in a high-value transfer before the World Cup, has created two chances so far, completed two of seven attempted dribbles, and won six of 14 duels, numbers that add weight to Neville’s suggestion that Rashford’s sharp cameos are increasing pressure on Gordon’s place.
Despite the lack of attacking fluency and the scrutiny on Gordon’s role in England’s starting XI, Thomas Tuchel’s team are already assured of a spot in the knockout phase, hold an 81.7% probability of finishing top of Group L, and now prepare to face Panama on Saturday as selection questions continue.
